| 🎬 The Smashing Machine (2025) – Movie Review Summary | |
|---|---|
| Title | The Smashing Machine |
| Release Date | October 3, 2025 (United States) |
| Director | Benny Safdie |
| Main Cast | Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Oleksandr Usyk |
| Genre | Drama, Biography, Sports |
| Production Company | A24 |
| Budget | Approx. $50 million |
| Box Office (Opening) | $850,000 (Opening Weekend Preview) |
| IMDb Rating | 8.4/10 |
| Where to Watch | Now showing in theaters; expected on HBO Max and digital stores by early 2026. |
| Critics’ Consensus | “Dwayne Johnson delivers a career-defining performance in Benny Safdie’s emotionally raw sports biopic.” |
Release & Background
The Smashing Machine premiered in U.S. theaters on October 3, 2025 under A24.
It was written, directed, and co-produced by Benny Safdie, marking his first solo directorial outing independent of his brother Josh.
The film is a biographical sports drama about MMA and UFC legend Mark Kerr, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the lead role.
Budget & Box Office
The film’s budget is reported at approximately $50 million. In early box office previews, it grossed about $850,000 before the full weekend release.
As of its opening, the cumulative gross is still modest (since it’s new) with much depending on audience retention.
Streaming Plan & Availability
Is The Smashing Machine Streaming Yet?
No, as of now, The Smashing Machine is only in theaters. It is not yet available on streaming platforms according to JustWatch and Decider.
When to Expect It on Digital / Streaming
It may become available for digital purchase or rent (VOD) about one month after theatrical release, likely in November 2025.
For streaming via services like HBO Max (owing to the A24–Warner Bros. deal), a four- to five-month window is typical, suggesting streaming access in March or April 2026.
Platforms to Watch
When released digitally or on streaming, it’s expected to show up on:
> Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube (rental/purchase)
> HBO Max, under A24’s Pay-1 arrangement with Warner Bros. Discovery
Review & Reception
Critical Reception
• Variety praised Dwayne Johnson as a “revelation.”
• The Hollywood Reporter called his performance his “most absorbing turn yet.”
• Roger Ebert described it as an “anti-biopic” that avoids clichés and embraces an observational tone.
• The Guardian highlighted Johnson’s transformation and the film’s central emotional conflict.
Some reviews are critical of the narrative’s pacing or dramatized parts. For example, Slant Magazine argues the film hews too closely to earlier documentary elements and doesn’t always deepen the drama it portrays.
Layered Butter considers it a more conventional biopic than one might expect from Safdie, but still acknowledges Johnson’s performance.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
* Johnson’s dedication - prosthetics, physical transformation, and emotional restraint - earned wide acclaim.
* Direction by Benny Safdie adds a more human, gritty flair to a sports narrative.
* The film’s premiere at Venice Film Festival received a 15-minute standing ovation and Safdie won the Silver Lion for Best Director.
Weaknesses / Critiques
* Some feel the screenplay lacks originality or emotional depth compared to the original documentary.
* At times, the domestic scenes or dramatization appear conventional or overly familiar.
* The pacing may feel muted to audiences expecting a more kinetic sports biopic.
FAQs About The Smashing Machine
1. When does The Smashing Machine hit streaming?
- Expect it on digital rent/purchase in November 2025, with streaming (HBO Max) likely in March or April 2026.
2. What is The Smashing Machine about?
- It’s a biopic about MMA legend Mark Kerr, chronicling his rise in early UFC, struggles with addiction, and personal life challenges.
3. Who stars in the film?
- Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr, Emily Blunt plays Dawn Staples, with supporting roles from Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk.
4. Who directs it?
- Benny Safdie is the writer and director of the film.
5. How long is the film?
- The runtime is about 123 minutes (2 hours and 3 minutes).
6. What is the budget and box office so far?
- Budget: $50 million
Early previews grossed around $850,000.
7. What do critics say about Johnson’s performance?
- Widely praised - called a “revelation,” “absorbing,” and possibly awards-worthy. Some note restraint and emotional depth.
8. Where can I watch it now?
- You can’t stream it yet. It is in theaters. Watch for it on digital platforms (Amazon, AppleTV) in November, and streaming later.
9. Are there controversies or complaints?
- Some critics argue the film doesn’t dig deep enough compared to the original documentary, and dramatized scenes feel conventional.
10. Is this role Oscar-worthy for Johnson?
- Many critics and publications believe it could be, given the transformation and emotional weight of his performance.
About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on The StarProfile, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
0 Comments